Chunk 11: Kamala Chameleon.
“Everyday is like survival; you’re my lover, not my rival.”
Trust that hatted sage, Boy George, to best sum-up the vice presidential selection process which, every four years, makes friends of political foes. And so it is that former Senator (and VP), Joe Biden, has selected current Senator, Kamala Harris, to be his running mate in the 2020 US Election.
Having towelled him up pretty well during one of the Democratic Primary debates, and despite disagreeing with him on some pretty key issues (healthcare, trade, climate change), taking the role has meant Harris - like practically every politician before her - has agreed to change some of her positions, at least publicly. Expect that to be a recurring theme of Trump’s criticisms against her, as he assails her for being a “trojan horse for the radical left” (as well as being “nasty”).
Having two candidates on the ticket with senate experience is not new, or surprising. Of the 45 people to have served as US presidents, 16 were also once senators. That’s an almost one in three strike rate, which is outstanding for anyone at anything (unless your name is Roger Federer).
But the number of senators who have gone on to become president in more recent times? Not so hot. In fact, since 1972, of the 59 senators to have run for the highest office in the land, guess how many of them have won:
A) 1
B) 3
C) 5
If your answer was A, and that A stood for Barack Obama, then give yourself a pat on the back. His was the rare recent success story.
But don’t feel sorry for the rest of them; being a US senator is still a pretty big deal.
For starters, there are only 100 of them in total at any one time; two from each state, a junior and a senior senator. They serve six-year terms, meaning – unlike members of the House of Representatives, who face re-election every two years – you’re not always on the campaign trail, kissing babies (albeit now through face masks) and raising money.
And, speaking of money (segue), that’s pretty good too: a base salary of USD$174,000 + living away from home expenses. Not that money is really an issue: in 2018, the median net worth of members of Congress was USD$511,000. And, of course, it’s a position of great influence.
So, it’s a pretty sweet life, it just doesn’t necessarily set you up for the big job. Then what other omens could Joe Biden look to to give him confidence in 2020?
Well, 14 presidents previously served as vice-presidents: that sounds promising.
But only two since 1974: so, maybe not.
32 had previous military experience: which Biden does not.
17 were governors: which Biden also was not.
Hmmm, this isn’t looking especially good …
Oh, but hang on: 26 were lawyers – and yes! Biden went to law school.
And: Biden is a Scorpio, which, along with Aquarius, is the most popular star sign among US presidents. There has been five of both of them. (Donald Trump is a Gemini, of which there’s only been three.)
There; he has it in the bag.
PS: Kamala Harris is a Libra, the star sign of four previous presidents. Just in case you wanted to start looking ahead to 2024.
